15 Years Later

The year was 1999 and by the summer, teen films were all the rage. The year kicked off with two unexpected box office successes, Varsity Blues and She’s All That, before studios started pumping out hit after hit. In the same year, Drop Dead Gorgeous, a dark comedy about teenage girls competing in a local Minnesota beauty pageant, bombed at the box office. Unable to capture the same excitement as American Pie or 10 Things I Hate About You, the film quickly disappeared from theaters after earning a dismal $10.5 million at the box office.

It was only later, when released on DVD and VHS, did the movie become a cult classic. Similarly to Jawbreaker, which also came out in 1999, Drop Dead Gorgeous proved to be a pivotal film — introducing audiences to Amy Adams, making use of the mockumentary style — even if it was overlooked at the time.

On the 15th anniversary of the theatrical release, we talk to cast members, including Allison Janney, Denise Richards, and Mindy Sterling, who all shared tidbits from the set.

“I haven’t thought about this movie in a long time,” Allison Janney says of 10 Things I Hate About You. The actress, who currently stars on CBS’s Mom has had several memorable roles in her acting career that now spans over 15 years. Not only did she play Ms. Perky, the guidance school counselor more focused on writing her erotic fiction than helping the students played by Julia Stiles and Heath Ledger, but she also was in Drop Dead Gorgeous, starred on The West Wing and even had cryptically, memorable guest starring role on Lost. With 10 Things, Drop Dead Gorgeous, and The West Wing all turning 15 this year, Allison Janney revisits her iconic roles.